Tuesday, September 3, 2013

I can't say I am fond of birds but I am prepared to make an exception for Alicia Merritt's amazing polymer clay parrot jewelry. This Iowan artist makes sculptural art designs for over 80 species of parrots as well as other animals on her website Parrotphenalia : Parrot Art and Jewelry.

Blue and Gold Macaw, African Grey and Budgerigar Pins

She loves all animals and particularly birds. Her life long interest began while she was growing up in the Philippines. She had many pets. Besides cats and dogs, she had pet goats, pigs, native lizards and chickens. Her parents drew the line with monkeys!

The first in a long line of parrots, a cockatiel, was acquired when she was just 11. She now owns a pair of Soloman Island Eclectus parrots named Killian and Kaleena. They enrich and bring much joy to her life as well as inspirations for her delightful creations. She also has 3 dogs.

She started to work with polymer clay back in the 1990 when she had some health issues. Since then, her parrot jewelry and other art work have become popular and have been featured in specialty magazines. She is kept very busy as her custom work is in high demand.

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You could say Pearl was born to be a jewelry designer with a name like that! She is the author of The Beading Gem's Journal now simply called The Beading Gem, a popular jewelry making, inspirational and how-to website. Subscribe for your daily dose of tips and tutorials and more